Earlier this week, one of the longest-serving members of the AirNav Ireland Air Traffic Control tower in Cork signed off after 45 years of service. Ann Walsh, originally from Ringaskiddy was part of the team providing essential administration services for the air traffic control officers and engineers responsible for the safety of aircraft taking off and landing at Cork Airport. Having completed her Leaving Certificate and a commercial course, she joined the Department of Transport on 30th September 1980 and was assigned to Cork Airport as a communications assistant.
Ann has witnessed the changes in air traffic control with the increase in traffic and the introduction of new technology over the years and said that the teamwork and friendship among all her colleagues in the tower have played a vital role in the safety of all aircraft arriving and taking off from Cork.
Commenting on her last day, Ann said, “My job was to type up the latest weather reports every 30 minutes and weather forecasts every three hours and circulate them to the air traffic control officers. When that office closed, I was assigned to the Air Traffic Control and Engineers administration office, and I have worked there ever since. I am very sad to leave, but I have no doubt the person who takes over from me will have a great time working with this team.”
Wishing her the best was the CEO of AirNav Ireland, Ger Caffery who was on hand at the Cork Airport Air Traffic Control Tower to recognise her 45 years of service in air traffic management. “On behalf of all of us in AirNav Ireland, I thank Ann for dedication and commitment over the past 45 years. All of us will miss her presence here and we wish her every happiness in her retirement”.
